State Directors of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) from the North-East have convened in Bauchi State to deliberate on the growing security challenges affecting the region.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 17th quarterly regional conference of the SDS at the Command’s Headquarters, Bauchi, the Chairman of the North-East SDS, Sani Bakori, said that the sub-region has its share of security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts, among others.
According to him, the security challenges have resulted in devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens and its gross significant setbacks to the development of the region and the country at large.
Bakori added that the security officers are poised to discuss and find lasting solutions to the problems so that the citizens can live securely wherever they are.
He stressed that during the three days conference, they would focus on several key areas crucial in fostering stability and peace of the North-East through strengthening community resilience and community policing, and strategic collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in addressing the root causes of the challenges.
“We gather here, not just as representatives of our respective organizations, but we are here to deliberate on the security challenges confronting our communities, our states and our nation.
“The impact has been devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens and its gross significant setbacks to the development and social cohesion,” he said.
The North-East SDS chairman added: “Today, we are reminded that security is not merely the absence of violence, it is about creating an environment where our children can thrive, where families can feel safe in their homes and where children can pursue their education without fear.
“We will be engaged in discussing, over the next few days, let our focus be on several key areas that are crucial in fostering stability and peace of the north-east through strengthening community resilience and community policing, strategic collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in addressing the root causes of these challenges.
“It is pertinent to inform the participants that the world is changing and technically is also very relevant in discharging our mandate. As we move forward, let us be guided by the spirit of collaboration, innovation and determination. The challenges we face are numerable but not insurmountable. Each of us has a role to play in building a safer and more secure north-east Nigeria.”
He urged stakeholders in the security sector to commit to functional strategies and hold each other accountable as they work towards deliberating on solutions that will make tangible differences in the lives of the people